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Local Crafts and Industries

Local Crafts & Industries in Edinburgh

Two day trip

Day 1 - A Tour of Edinburgh

  • Begin the day in the Old Town with a tour of the whisky making process at the Scotch Whisky Experience situated at the top of the Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle. The tour explains how whisky is made followed by a journey through the history of whisky in a barrel car. You will also see for yourself a real working distillery.
    Visit Time - 1 Hour

  • Literally across the road, the Tartan Weaving Mill & Exhibition is certainly worth a visit. Visitors can try hand-weaving tartan at this working mill.
    Visit Time - 1 Hour

  • A short five minute journey west of the city centre is the Caledonian Brewery - enjoy a 45 minute tour of the brewing process which includes a complimentary tasting in the brewery's atmospheric sample cellar.
    Visit Time - 1 Hour - Refreshments Available

  • Enjoy lunch back in town in some of the varied pubs and restaurants of the West End.

  • Spend the afternoon browsing through some of the speciality shops for antiques, books, arts and crafts and other souvenirs of your visit in areas such as Victoria Street, Causewayside and Stockbridge. For textile and woollens peruse the Clan Tartan Centre at Leith Mills.
    Visit Time - 45 Mins - Refreshments Available - Free Entry - Coach Parking

    Day 2 - Exploring the Lothians

  • Follow the A8 in the direction of Glasgow, at the Newbridge roundabout follow the M8 towards Livingston. This will take you to the Almond Valley Heritage Trust, where you can see a working watermill, farm animals and enjoy the nature trail.
    Visit Time - 1.5 Hours

  • Alternatively, a short drive south on the Edinburgh Bypass to Newtongrange and the Scottish Mining Museum is the next stop on the itinerary. This is the best surviving example in Europe of a late 19th century colliery. Look out for its 'Black Diamonds' exhibition.
    Visit Time - 1 Hour

  • Enjoy lunch in one of the Midlothian country inns - the Laird & Dog in Lasswade or the Royal Hotel in Penicuik.

  • Eastward bound, on the A6093, travel to the picturesque village of Pencaitland and the Glenkinchie Distillery. Set in a small valley, this is the only remaining malt whisky distillery close to Edinburgh and from which this classic malt takes its name. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour and tasting and discover some of the secrets of the distillers' craft. There is also an exhibition area depicting the history and heritage of whisky distilling in the local area.
    Visit Time - 1.5 Hours

  • Follow the A6093 and the A1 to East Fortune and the Museum of Flight, Scotland's national museum of aviation, where Concorde will spend the remainder of its days. You can also enjoy the massive collection of aircraft in the hangers of a WWII airfield.
    Visit Time - 1.5 Hours

    Alternatively:

  • Nearby, in the village of East Linton, is Preston Mill And Phantassie Doocot - one of the oldest mechanically intact water driven meal mills in Scotland.
    Visit Time - 45 Mins

  • From here, it is a 45 minute drive back to Edinburgh.

    Evening Entertainment

  • To further your knowledge of the whisky making process, enjoy a whisky tasting before dinner at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society located in the historic port of Leith.

    • Back to City & Area Guide.